We remain open for telehealth (Phone or Video) appointments only.
For your safety and the safety of our team, we are limiting face to face contact at the Practice.
Face to face consultations will be available if clinically necessary and pending approval by one of the doctors.
Step 1: Book a Telehealth consultation
Step 2: Prescriptions, medical certificates, referrals etc will be emailed or posted to you
Step 3: If your doctor deems it clinically necessary, a face to face consultation will be scheduled.
We understand other health needs do not cease during this time.
Please talk to our reception team if you require more information.
The New Normal
An Update From Dr. Mabel Leung
I want to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waterways on which our clinic stands, the Boon Wurrung, Wurundjeri and Wathaurung people, and pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging. I’d love to learn more about Aboriginal history, feel free to send resources my way!
From recent events, I have a sneaky feeling that Melbourne might lose its title as the world’s most liveable city.
How are you doing? Pandemics are not new to humankind. A quick google search told me that the deadliest pandemic in recent history was the Spanish flu 1918, killing approximately a third of the world’s population at the time, with a death toll of at least 50 million and lasted approximately two years. At this time, COVID19 has infected 0.2% of the world’s population. Does this mean we have a long way to go? Probably. There’s no current vaccine yet and “normal” life seems out of reach.
Mental health issues are on the rise and I hope the following phrases can help you or someone you know. Our team at RMIT Medical Hub are always ready and willing to help so please don’t hesitate to contact us at any time.
Reach out
Anxiety, stress, depressive thoughts can start small and reach paralysing levels when it’s not addressed. Call someone to talk about it, message someone who may seem more withdrawn lately to check in on them.
Call professionals, RMIT counselling, us, Lifeline, Beyond Blue. The government has also put out a phone line – Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Services on 1800 512 348.
Hang out
Humans are social creatures, whether you’re an introvert or extrovert. It’s never too late to start a family or friends hangout once a week (even if they’re overseas). You can even have them hang out whilst you do some cooking / cleaning / errands running / game playing. It’s important to stay connected whilst maintaining social distancing.
Sign out
A research questionnaire found Gen Y and Zs on average spent 6 hours on social media a day. That was before the pandemic. Try signing out of news / social media. Remove notifications from groups that are not adding or improving the quality of your life.
Work out
Regular exercise helps mental health. It is free of side effects and releases your own natural ‘happy hormones’ into your system. Plus you’ll likely sleep better too.
Chat to us if you want some ideas and we can always link you with physiotherapists and exercise physiologists, programs to get you in the right direction. Be aware of what you eat also. Some foods can make you feel good short term, but that sugar crash can send most people downhill.
Wait it out
We’re all in this together. Hang in there. We definitely need all of you to social distance, wear your mask when you’re out, and stop the spread. Think of ways you can thrive in this current life – is it an online course you’ve been wanting to do since forever? A skill you can learn from youtube? A new hobby around the corner? A new way you can be kind to yourself? A movie marathon? A new pet? (check with landlords first!)
Let me leave you with one of my favourite poems.
Inner Strength
If you can start the day without caffeine,
If you can be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,
If you can understand when loved ones are too busy to give you time,
If you can overlook when people take things out on you when,
through no fault of yours, something goes wrong,
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,
If you can face the world without lies and deceit,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can always sleep without the aid of drugs,
If you can do all these things,
Then you are probably the family dog.
– Romeo Della Valle
There’s beauty in being human! I hope that even though 2020 isn’t turning out to be a fun year, I hope and pray it’s a year that you won’t only survive, but thrive.
Help Stop The Spread
- Practice physical distancing – stay 1.5m away from others
- Practice good hygiene
- Stay home if you are unwell
- Download the Covid Safe app
How We Can Help
The Medical Hub can provide a wide range of health services to support your needs and current situation. Our experienced doctors are still able to attend to your medical needs through Medicare Funded Telehealth services until September, so you may schedule a bulk billed telephone consultation on our website or by calling the practice. Once the appointment is booked, the doctor of your choice will call you at your scheduled time on your preferred contact telephone number. It is incredible how many medical concerns can be managed using the Telehealth service. Password-protected correspondence including: referrals, medical certificates, and special consideration forms can be emailed directly to you following your Telehealth consultation. Prescriptions can also be sent directly to your nominated pharmacy
Asymptomatic COVID-19 Tests
We continue to encourage anyone experiencing any respiratory symptoms to be tested and stay at home.
COVID-19 testing is Government funded through DHHS respiratory clinics to those experiencing respiratory symptoms (ie. cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of smell or loss of taste), close contacts of positive cases and healthcare and aged care workers. This funding does not extend to those who are not experiencing symptoms or requiring testing for personal, professional or travel reasons. Due to demand, the team at the Medical hub @ RMIT are now offering screening of those not currently funded for a private fee of $160. Unfortunately there is no Medicare or other rebate on this fee. This has been particularly helpful to those travelling overseas who require a negative Covid-19 test to be granted entry into their destination.
Step 1: Simply schedule a 15 appointment with the Practice Nurse by calling 03 9999-2778.
Step 2: Attend for your appointment, answer some screening questions and have your temperature checked at reception. Please wear a mask.
Step 3: Wait at the front of the practice for our Practice Nurse to greet you in full PPE
Step 4: Our Practice nurse will take a brief history and undertake the Covid-19 swab
Step 5: Settle account at reception and go straight home
Step 6: Remain isolated until you receive an SMS or further advice. Expected turn around times for results are up to 48 hours, although this may vary depending on Victorian testing volumes at the time.
